However long their series with the Los Angeles Kings lasts, Raffi Torres won't be in the Sharks lineup.

The NHL suspended Torres for the duration of the series before Thursday's 4-3 Sharks Game 2 loss, saying that when the San Jose left wing hit Kings center Jarret Stoll late in the second period of Game 1, the head was the principal point of contact even though a "glancing blow" to the shoulder preceded it.

In his ruling, NHL chief disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan also cited the fact Stoll was injured on the play and that Torres has been suspended three previous times. Both Torres and Sharks general manager had flown to New York City for an in-person hearing to plead San Jose's case.

Both Torres and Wilson flew directly to San Jose where the series continues Saturday at HP Pavilion and were not available for comment. There is an appeal process established in the league's collective bargaining agreement, but the time frame could put off any ruling until after the series concludes.

"It really doesn't matter what Todd McLellan thinks or anybody else thinks now because it's been dealt with and we have Game 3 we now move ahead and prepare for without Raffi," the coach said. "But Raffi has our full support as a player that's worked hard to change his game. Do I think that was anywhere near any of the other hits that he's had in his career? Absolutely not."

The Sharks acquired Torres from the Phoenix Coyotes at the trade deadline and his arrival coincided with the team's turnaround late in the season that secured a playoff spot and first-round sweep of Vancouver.